Cancer-related Falls: Focus on Evidence-based Screening
Description
According to the National Cancer Institute as of 2017 there are approximately 15 million cancer survivors. Individuals with cancer commonly experience a range of impairments in body structures and systems which influence postural stability. Impairments can occur immediately during acute intervention or be delayed. Research has identified higher fall rates among older cancer survivors compared to older individuals without cancer. Of great concern is the potential for injurious falls to delay timely administration of oncological treatment. This webinar will help physical therapists improve the care of those seeking cancer rehabilitation. By using reflection, lecture and case study, objectives of increased knowledge of cancer-related fall risks are addressed. After this course therapists can improve cancer survivor safety as well as help maintain survivors quality of life.
Learning Objectives
1) Discuss the prevalence and fall rates of cancer survivors.
2) Understand impairments relative to the cancer diagnosis and cancer intervention which lead to increased fall risk.
3) Choose appropriate evidence-based screening tools using recommendations from the APTA Oncology Task Force publications.
**Attendees will receive an email containing a certificate confirming 1.5 contact hours only. We do not offer CEUS from any specific state. However, can contact your state and submit a request for CEU approval. This is assuming your state awarded CEUs for the small number of contact hour provided by this meeting.**.
About The Speaker(s)
Earllaine Croarkin, PT has been employed by the National Institutes of Health within the Clinical Research Center since 1996. She is Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy. While at NIH she works with those diagnosed with rare neurodegenerative and oncological disorders. As an Associate Investigator for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Cancer Institute her efforts have led to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national conferences. She has produced an online continuing education seminar with ‘Great Seminars Online’ focusing on neuro-oncology, and through the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy, she has co-developed a course on balance deficits and falls in cancer survivors. Currently, she serves on the APTA Oncology Academy’s EDGE Task Force on Balance Outcome Measures and is working to develop a clinical practice guideline for treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
